People are seen outside a restaurant in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

The level of offline consumption in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province has been returning to normal as the wave of COVID-19 infections, on the back of the nation's optimization of the epidemic control measures, continues to subside.

"It seems like most people have recovered after being infected, and there are now more people walking on the streets. It's no different from before," said Yin Xuanchao, a local resident.

The number of visitors at Taizhou Qingyue City tripled after the easing of pandemic control restrictions, said Chen Jiaoyin, manager of marketing at the commercial complex.

In addition, many restaurants are already fully booked on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Ninety-five percent of restaurants on Kangping Street, a renowned food street in Taizhou, have resumed operations. Some are even open around the clock.

"This is the first time I'm hanging out with my friends in months. I believe the situation will only get better," Yang Yi, a customer at a local restaurant, was quoted as saying.